THE MEANING OF EACH FOLD OF AN HONOR GUARD FUNERAL FLAG

Every evening at a time specified by the Commanding Officer, military bases throughout the world conduct a solemn ceremony called retreat. During this ceremony our National Colors, accompanied by the appropriate music, are lowered from their staffs. The Flag is then folded into a triangle shape and kept under watch throughout the night. This is done in tribute to our Honored dead. Each of the 13 folds has a special symbolic meaning.

Our Flag is folded from the stripes forward. The 13 stripes represent the original colonies that founded our republic. The 50 stars represent the sovereign states now comprising our nation.

1) The first fold is symbolic of life.

2) The 2nd fold is symbolic of our trust and belief in eternal life.

3) The 3rd fold is made in remembrance and honor of the departed veterans who gave a portion of their lives in defense of our country. They have not died in vain and shall not be forgotten.

4) The 4th fold represents our weaker nature. As Americans we trust in God and turn to him for divine guidance in times of peace and war.

5) The 5th fold is made in tribute to our country. In the immortal words of Stephen Decatur: "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is our country - right or wrong".

6) The 6th fold brings to mind where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

7) The 7th fold is in tribute to our armed forces, for it is they who protect our country and flag against all enemies, whether they are found within or out of the borders of our Republic.

8) The 8th fold is a tribute to those who have entered into the valley of the shadow of death that we might see the light of day.

9) The 9th fold is a tribute to motherhood. It is through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the characters of our great leaders have been molded.

10) The 10th fold is made in honor of our fathers. They too, have given their sons and daughters for the defense of our country.

11) The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the Seals of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the Gods Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

12) The 12th fold is the collective religious faiths of Americans. It symbolizes eternity and glorifies the righteousness of God.

13) The 13th and final fold is made in honor of the 13 American Colonies whose fighting force gave us liberty.

When folded, the Flag's Stars will be uppermost, reminds us of our motto. "In God we Trust". The Flag now takes on the appearance of the "cocked hat" worn by our forces in the American Revolution. It now reminds us of the soldiers who once served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under John Paul Jones. They have been followed by their comrades and shipmates in United States forces who have preserved for us the rights, privileges and freedoms which we enjoy today.